Joan M. Rogers

Joan Margaret Burns Rogers was born May 2, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up at 27th and Browne Street in a close-knit, faith-filled family. Her upbringing at Olivet Baptist Church, where her father Jack Burns, faithfully directed the choir for nearly 50 years, shaped the foundation of her life - one rooted in faith, service, and love for others. As a young girl, Joan learned the value of hard work and community in her family’s corner grocery store at 40th and Ames. From eighth grade through high school, she worked alongside her family, building the strong work ethic and caring spirit that would define her life.

After graduating, Joan began working at AT&T in downtown Omaha, where she operated the large early computers of the time. But her greatest calling would come later. While raising her two sons, Mike and Danny, Joan made the decision to return to school at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Through determination and quiet strength, she earned her degree in Education - modeling perseverance and dedication for her family.

During her student teaching at Carriage Hill Elementary School in Papillion, it quickly became clear that Joan had found her true purpose. She was hired for the following school year and remained there for 24 years. In the classroom, she was more than a teacher - she was a presence, a source of encouragement, and someone who genuinely cared for every child who walked through her door.

Joan and her husband Larry built a life together filled with love and simple joys.They created a home on an acreage south of Gretna, a place for family and memories. Later as Larry’s health declined, they moved into town, where Joan cared for him with deep devotion during the final years of his life. After Larry’s passing, Joan continued to live out her faith through service. At Gretna United Methodist Church she volunteered in the church office, led several Grief Share groups, participated in women’s groups and Circles, and opened her home each week for a Bible study called MAPS - Monday Afternoon Prayer and Study. For ten years, that group was a place of fellowship, faith, and friendship, reflecting Joan’s generous and welcoming heart.

She remained independent and strong, living in her apartment until last summer, when she moved to Hillcrest Highlands.

Joan was preceded in death by her son Dan Miller. She is survived by her son Mike Miller and his wife Jennifer; grandson Brian Booker; great-grandson Jonathon Booker and his wife Natalie; Daughter-in-law Joni Miller; stepson Scott Rogers; step granddaughter Molly Rogers; stepdaughter Tammy Rogers; step granddaughter Alyssa Rogers; her brother Bill Burns and his wife Fran; her sister Betty Manna; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joan’s life was a quiet testament to faith, perseverance, and love. She showed us what it means to serve others, to stay devoted to family, and to live with grace. She will be deeply missed, but the legacy she leaves behind lives on in the many lives she touched.

Memorial Service 10:30 AM Friday (5/1/2026) at Roeder Mortuary. Memorials to Gretna United Methodist Church or American Heart Association.

Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com